Working in Yosemite, every week poses a new challenge, whether it's snowy weather in the winter, mosquitos in the spring, or any number of other things that could happen while working in a wild place. One week this past April, my challenge came in the form of working with a new age group of students: high schoolers from the McConnell Foundation. In the time that I’ve been working at NatureBridge Yosemite, I have mainly stuck to my comfort zone of working with middle schoolers, but this week? Something new, something different, and hopefully something exciting. I hoped that my group would also be willing to take on new challenges with me.

Terri Carta has spent most of her life championing the importance of preserving natural spaces. Growing up in Southern California, Terri avidly explored parks and outdoor spaces with her family, but it wasn’t until high school that she learned what it means to advocate on their behalf. Her conservation journey began not with a specific career goal, but with a class trip to NatureBridge (formerly Yosemite Institute) that combined adventure, discovery, and the power of Dr. Seuss’ book "The Lorax."

When Susan “Sam” Boren first joined the NatureBridge Board of Directors, she wasn’t just stepping into a new volunteer role—she was stepping into a mission that immediately aligned with her values: education, environmental stewardship, and outdoor access for all young people. Over the course of 12 years, including three years serving as board chair from 2022-2025, Sam has shaped the future of the organization with a focus on strong governance, inclusive leadership, and meaningful philanthropic support.